Nobody likes getting the sniffles, let alone getting sick. Taking a day off to nurse that cold or flu might take days off your potential vacation days, too! So, let’s nip that cold in the bud with some healthy, cold pressed juice .
When you’re sick, one of the best home remedies is just to stay hydrated. Hydration is especially important when you’ve got a cold! But it’s not just how much you drink, it’s what you drink. Loading up on sugary sodas or energy drinks won’t help your immune system. Instead, drink plenty of water and choose healthy, natural beverages that offer nutrition as well as hydration.
Coconut juice is first on our list for being a tropical, thirst-quenching drink. If you didn’t know, our bodies tend to dehydrate when we’re sick. That’s why doctors and even your parents tell you, at a very young age, to drink a lot of fluids.
Coconut juice and coconut water are one and the same. People often call it nature’s sports drink because of its electrolyte content and ability to rehydrate the body after workouts. It does contain potassium and a little bit of sodium – sodium is essential for hydrating the blood before potassium can come in and give the right amount of water that cells need.
Tip: Choose 100% pure, unsweetened coconut water for the best health benefits.
Celery juice is another better-than-water option on the list. We’re not hating on water, of course, but sometimes plain water gets a little dull. Celery is a great alternative because it’s approximately 95% water, yet still provides crisp, refreshing flavor as well as some fiber, calcium, vitamin C, and vitamin A. Plus, it’s low in sugar, so it’s one of the best juices to drink when sick!
The antioxidant-rich Celery Juice blend is also said to have antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties and has the ability to kill off pathogens (that includes flu viruses). So apart from it being good to drink when sick, would we say that it’s also one of the best juices for immune system support? Signs point to yes!
Tip: Blend celery with a splash of lemon juice for an added boost of vitamin C.
We’re still on our hydration train and the next stop on our list is none other than watermelon juice ! Like celery, watermelons have high water content. In this case, watermelons are about 90% water! Watermelons have potassium, vitamin C, and magnesium.
When you’re sick, that means that your immune system is already weak. Watermelons have lycopene, an antioxidant that may help prevent illnesses and infections . We wouldn’t want you to get sicker! It makes sense to have a good glass of watermelon juice when you’re feeling under the weather now, doesn’t it?
Tip: Watice is naturally sweet—no need for added sugars.
Orange juice is basically synonymous with vitamin C. So, while we love this citrusy drink for being refreshing and wonderfully tasty, we’re taking this time to put the spotlight on vitamin C as well.
As for what's the best juice to drink when you're sick, Orange Juice is great. Some studies have hinted that it may not have a huge impact on preventing actual colds. But orange juice could shorten the time that you’re sick which, in our book, is a great benefit. They say that it may shorten the time you’re sick by about 10%!
Pro Tip: Fresh-sqnge juice offers more vitamin C and fewer additives than processed varieties.
Another one of the best juices to drink when sick is beet juice . One potential cause of colds is actually psychological stress, which can lower your immune system. Thankfully, one particular study indicates that drinking beet juice when you’re stressed out may help prevent cold symptoms . You might even say that it can help you beet (we’re sorry) those symptoms!
Beets also contain magnesium, potassium, a little Vitamin C, and (surprisingly) a bit of protein. So, yes, it’s another hydrating juice full of lovely nutrients.
Recipe Suggestion: Mix beeth ginger for a warming, immune-supporting drink.
Apple juice may be one of the best juices for sore throats. While there are no substantial studies to support that apple juice can stop a sore throat, apple juice may be a great drink that won’t irritate your throat and can help soothe discomfort.
Also, let’s not forget that the most important thing when you’re sick is hydration! Apple juice is about 86% water. Apple juice has vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber. The latter can actually help you feel full, which is certainly what you need to hold off on snacking unnecessarily while sick.
Tip: Opt for fresh or unsweetened a to avoid added sugars.
Another juice you may want to consider when you’ve got a sore throat is lemon ginger juice . Ginger is the main ingredient in action here and it’s said that it can help you relieve any irritating symptoms. Pair that with the vitamin C-rich lemon and you’ve got yourself maybe the best juice for your immune system! Let’s not forget about all the good that vitamin C can do for you.
You may not feel like drinking ginger juices for their strong, somewhat punchy taste. But if you find the right blend, it can taste absolutely delicious! If you’re getting a blend, it may be even better because you get added vitamins and minerals that come from other ingredients.
Recipe Idea: Mix lemon and ginger juice withhoney for a soothing, hydrating drink.
During cold and flu season, you need to do everything you can to boost your immune system, or at least avoid making it weaker. And a lack of veggies in your diet could lead to some more awful situations. You may be putting yourself at risk of getting sicker because of a lack of fruit and vegetables.
You actually need a good fruit and veggie intake to help prevent chronic illnesses . And, based on the studies by the CDC, many adults are not getting their recommended daily intake of healthy produce . You can offset that by drinking green juice !
While colds and sore throats are more short term and we’ve been discussing them more, you need a healthy diet so that your immune system can stay strong and fight against potential diseases all year-round.
Tip: Green juice can be customized with various vegetables to keep it interesting and nutrient-rich .
If you’re not a fan of citrus, a great alternative is actually pineapple juice . In fact, pineapples are pretty much close to oranges when it comes to vitamin C content.
You get 47.8mg of vitamin C for every 100-gram serving of pineapples. Oranges, on the other hand, have 53.2 mg. Plus, think of pineapple juice as a palate cleanser for all the other juices you may have gotten tired of drinking… It’s way more flavorful than water, that’s for sure!
Serving Suggestion: Enjoy pineapple juice on its own, or mix wt water for added electrolytes.
Prune juice is one of the best juices for constipation due to its high fiber content and natural sorbitol , which acts as a mild laxative. Constipation can sometimes weaken immunity by disrupting gut health. According to Cleveland Clinic , prune juice can help promote regular digestion , keeping your gut microbiome healthy and supporting overall immune function.
Tip: Drink half a cup in the morning to promote digestion and hydration.
Carrot juice is rich in beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A, essential for immune function. Vitamin A supports mucosal barriers, your body’s first line of defense against viruses and bacteria. Studies published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition highlight how beta-carotene helps strengthen the immune response. Learn more about benefits of carrot here!
Tip: Mix carrot juice with turmeric for added anti-inflammatory benefits .
While these juices provide valuable nutrients, they can be high in natural sugars, which may not be ideal for everyone. Here are a few tips for balancing juice intake:
While cold-pressed juices can support immune health, they are not a substitute for professional medical care. You should consult a doctor if you experience any of the following:
1. Persistent or Worsening Symptoms - If your cold symptoms last more than 10 days or worsen over time, it may indicate a bacterial infection, flu, or another underlying condition that requires medical treatment.
2. High Fever - A fever above 102°F (38.9°C) that does not respond to over-the-counter medications or persists for more than three days should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
3. Difficulty Breathing or Chest Pain - Shortness of breath, wheezing, or chest pain could indicate a serious respiratory infection, pneumonia, or another condition that requires immediate medical attention.
4. Severe Sore Throat or Ear Pain - If your sore throat is extremely painful, accompanied by white patches, or lasts longer than a week, it may be a sign of strep throat. Similarly, severe ear pain could indicate an ear infection that requires antibiotics.
5. Weak Immune System or Chronic Illness - Individuals with weakened immune systems (due to conditions like diabetes, cancer, or autoimmune diseases) should consult a doctor if they experience prolonged or frequent infections, as they may need additional medical support beyond diet.
6. Dehydration Symptoms - If you are experiencing severe dehydration due to vomiting, diarrhea, or high fever, medical intervention may be needed. Signs include dizziness, dark urine, and extreme fatigue.
7. Recurring Infections - If you frequently catch colds or experience ongoing infections, it may indicate an underlying immune deficiency that requires medical evaluation and treatment.
8. Allergic Reactions to Juices - If you develop symptoms like swelling, rashes, difficulty breathing, or digestive issues after drinking cold-pressed juices, consult a doctor immediately, as this could be an allergic reaction.
9. Cold Symptoms in Infants or Elderly Individuals - For babies under three months old or elderly individuals with underlying health conditions, even mild cold symptoms can quickly escalate. Seek medical advice if symptoms persist or worsen.
10. No Improvement Despite Home Remedies - If you have been drinking immune-boosting juices and using home remedies but see no improvement after a week, a doctor can determine if you need medication or further evaluation.
While cold-pressed juices can be a great addition to your diet for immunity, they are not a cure-all. If your symptoms are severe or persistent, seeking medical attention is the safest approach.
A bottle of juice a day can help kick the sick feelings away! If we’ve sold you on these other-than-water forms of getting hydrated and healthy, then why not check the juices we have at Little West ?
